Prodigals and Those Who Love Them (Paperback)

by Ruth Bell Graham (Author)
Key Phrases: thy faithfulness, New Testament, Flora Campbell, Land Rover (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Ruth Bell Graham knows about prodigals - two of her five children were spiritual wanderers. From the pain she experienced as she prayed, watched, and waited for them to return to the fold comes Prodigals and Those Who Love Them.

This sensitive, encouraging book expresses both the hurt and disappointment of the one who wanders and the confusion and fear of the one who waits. To capture both sides, Mrs. Graham recounts stories about five prodigals who returned, interlacing them with the stories of those who loved them. Also included are Mrs. Grahams own poems and diary entries written during the prodigal years of her two sons, as well as hymns and Bible verses that brought her solace.

This is not a 'how to' book that dispenses advice on how to win back a prodigal. Instead, it is a collection of readings one woman turned to for comfort when her children wandered from God. It shows how Mrs. Grahams faith persevered and grew regardless of the outcome of her prodigals stories.

Readers will be touched by the honest feelings of pain, frustration, and uncertainty Mrs. Graham expresses so eloquently. And they will share in the lessons she learned about Gods sovereignty and ultimate peace.

This book was previously published by Focus on the Family. A foreword by the eldest Graham daughter, Gigi Graham Tchividjian, who is also a mother of a prodigal, has been added. A closing article by Mrs. Graham, Gigi, and Gigi's son, Tullian, is new to the book as well.

From the Back Cover
For anyone waiting for a prodigal's return. There is perhaps nothing that brings more angst to a parent's heart than waiting for a prodigal to return home. Beloved author Ruth Bell Graham knew about prodigals--two of her five children were spiritual wanderers. In this time-tested classic, she offers encouragement to those who anxiously wait. This is not a "how to" book that dispenses advice on ways to win back a prodigal. Instead, it is a collection of readings one woman turned to for comfort when her children wandered from God. It shows how Graham's faith persevered and grew regardless of the outcome of her prodigals' stories. In Part One, Graham introduces you to five prodigals who "returned to the father." In Part Two, she offers comfort and encouragement through Scripture, poems, hymns, prayers, and more. You will be touched by the honest feelings of pain, frustration, and uncertainty Graham expresses so eloquently. And you will share in the lessons she learned about God's sovereignty and ultimate peace. Now beautifully repackaged, Prodigals and Those Who Love Them brings peace and hope to all parents of "wayward" children. Ruth Bell Graham (1920-2007) was a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and the wife of well-known evangelist Billy Graham. She authored a number of books, including Ruth Bell Graham's Collected Poems and the bestselling One Wintry Night. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080105897X
• ISBN-13: 978-1593280208
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #92,633 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for parents with rebellious children, May 12, 1999

By	Becky Vierling [e-mail] (Woodbury, MN) - See all my reviews

Ruth Bell Graham writes about famous historical men who lived rebellious lives before submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. She gives parents hope as she unravels these men's crooked paths and shows how in the end they were used mightily of God. In between these chapters she interjects her own words, poems, and prayers of encouragement taken from her many years of journalling during her own sons' rebellious times. She unveils the pain of a mother's heart and at the same time gives great hope for all readers to trust God to do amazing things with their own children. Ruth Bell Graham stresses the need to turn our "borrowed" children over to God and let Him do His work---and often that work is in our own lives first.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great encouraging book to give away., September 11, 1999

By A Customer

I have had this book in my library for years and it is a great source of encouragment. Mrs. Graham's insightful way of sharing her heart with others fans the flame of hope. This "my" book to give to other whose children are "in the far country."

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reading for the discouraged parent of a prodigal., July 4, 1999

By A Customer

I found the book to be a very encouraging word in a time of need when my teenage son had turned his back on the Lord. Ruth's words were helpful and insightful. It was a nice reminder that others have gone through the same or similar thing and come out the other side victorious in the Lord.